Stanton SCS3D DaScratch Digital DJ Control Surface Review
Stanton SCS3D DaScratch Digital DJ Control Surface Feature
- 5 Touch sensitive sliders (3 switchable via presets)
- 1 Touch sensitive continuous rotary control (switchable via preset)
- 4 Backlit (red, blue) buttons
- 10 Back lit (red, blue, purple) touch sensitive buttons
- 9 Backlit touch sensitive buttons (switchable via preset)
DaScratch a.k.a. the SCS.3d, is the latest innovation in the Stanton SC System control surface line. Revolutionary and compact, this controller is a necessity for any digital DJ looking for ultimate control over their software of choice. DaScratch's compact and sleek profile makes it a space-friendly addition to any existing DJ gear set-up or can stand on its own as a complete controller solution.
 Revolutionary and compact, this controller is a necessity for any digital DJ looking for ultimate control over their software of choice. Click to enlarge. |
 View control diagram. Click to enlarge. |
 DaRouter software gives DaScratch a little brain of its own, allowing customized support for a variety of applications |
Take Control
What makes this guy different from your average controller? Stanton's StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ-style motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface to take full control over music and software applications such as Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live, or any other MIDI compatible software. Minimal moving parts ensure durability from gig to gig. The SCS.3d system is directly supported by: djDecks, Virtual DJ, PCDJ and Mixxx.
See Me, Feel Me
DaScratch's layout and portability provide DJs with an unmatched level of performance and control. The StanTouch interface can be used for scratching, scrubbing, and navigating through digital audio. The tactile buttons, triggers, and virtual faders can also control samples, pitch, effects, cue and loop points, and other mappable functions. Multiple finger touches can even prompt quick kills on EQ's or transform effects on volume.
Hook Me Up
Magnect connection system allows multiple DaScratch units to securely snap together, creating a larger control surface with increased performance options.
Teach Me
DaRouter software gives DaScratch a little brain of its own, allowing customized support for a variety of applications. DaRouter runs on Mac / PC and will automatically load presets that are tailored towards the application the SCS.3d is controlling. A generic preset is also provided for mapping to any application that supports MIDI learn.
Connect Me
USB connection for easy plug and play connection to your software. Class compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OSX to ensure that drivers are never needed. Bus powered by design to ensure that no external power or batteries need to be used.
Three Operation Modes
DaScratch's center section operates mainly in 3 different modes - Slider, Circle, and Button mode. These 3 different control layouts can be evoked by any of the mode buttons depending on how the DaRouter preset is programmed.
Slider Mode
Slider mode gives the user 3 variable controls (like faders) that can be used by sliding your finger up and down the areas next to the 3 LED meter bars. This mode can be used for controlling many parameters at once, like an EQ. A slider may be changed by dragging a finger across the surface, or you can place your finger in an absolute position on the slider and its position will jump immediately to that point. Two fingers may be used to trigger from one position to the next. For instance, holding one finger on the bottom of the slider and tapping the top with a second finger will make the slider generate the higher value for as long as that finger remains on the surface. Once the second (upper) finger is removed, the slider will generate the value indicated by the first finger position. We refer to this as a "finger jump".
Circle Mode
In Circle mode, there is one slider at the center of the circle, and circular slider going around the perimeter of the touch surface. Just like in Slider mode, finger jumps are possible can be performed to quickly change the parameter in real time. This is the mode most likely to be used to emulate the platter of a deck. Circle mode is also the default mode of DaScratch. That is to say that if you plug DaScratch into your computer without using the DaRouter software, it will operate in Circle mode. But keep in mind that without DaRouter, the Mode Selector buttons (VINYL, LOOP, etc) will only send note data and will not change the operation of DaScratch.
Button Mode
In Button mode, the zones highlighted in the diagram will act as triggers to control buttons in the target application. For example, these functions could be assigned to alter loop lengths, jump to cue points, or start clips playing. Multiple buttons may be pressed at the same time in Button mode. Also, you will find some presets use a modified version of Button mode that makes the trigger areas bigger by combining 2 or more button zones.
StanTouch
In every mode of operation, you'll find that the touch sensitive areas on DaScratch will respond to multiple simultaneous touches. This is part of its core functionality, and indeed many cool behaviors and gestures can be developed around this capability.
What's in the Box
SCS.3d Controller, USB Cable, DaRouter Software, User's Manual
The Stanton DaScratch or otherwise known as the SCS3d, is the latest innovation in the Stanton SC System control surface line. Revolutionary and compact, this controller is necessary for any digital DJ looking for ultimate control over their software of choice. DaScratch’s compact and sleek profile makes it a space-friendly addition to any existing DJ gear set up or can stand on its own as a complete controller solution. Stanton’s StanTouch technology allows you to use traditional DJ style motions and gestures on a touch-pad style surface to take full control over music and software applications such as Traktor DJ Studio, Traktor Scratch, Ableton Live, Serato Scratch Live, or any other MIDI compatible software. Minimal moving parts ensure durability from gig to gig. See Me, Feel Me DaScratch's layout and portability provide DJs with an unmatched level of performance and control. The StanTouch interface can be used for scratching, scrubbing, and navigating through digital audio. The tactile buttons, triggers, and virtual faders can also control samples, pitch, effects, cue and loop points, and other mappable functions. Multiple finger touches can even prompt quick kills on EQ's or transform effects on volume. Hook Me Up Magnect connection system allows multiple DaScratch units to securely snap together, creating a larger control surface with increased performance options. Teach Me DaRouter software gives DaScratch a little brain of its own, allowing customized support for a variety of applications. DaRouter runs on Mac and PC and will automatically load presets that are tailored towards the application the SCS3d is controlling. A generic preset is also provided for mapping to any application that supports MIDI learn. To learn more about the router and presets go to http://www.enterthesystem.com/downloads/darouter.php Connect Me USB connection for easy plug and play connection to your software. Class compliant with Windows XP, Vista and Mac OSX to ensure that drivers are never needed. Bus powered by design to ensure that no external power or batteries need to be used. DaScratch’s center section operates mainly in 3 different modes. Slider, Circle, and Button mode. These 3 different control layouts can be evoked by any of the mode buttons depending on how the DaRouter preset is programmed. Slider Mode Slider mode gives the user 3 variable controls (like faders) that can be used by sliding your finger up and down the areas next to the 3 LED meter bars. This mode can be used for controlling many parameters at once, like an EQ. A slider may be changed by dragging a finger across the surface, or you can place your finger in an absolute position on the slider and its position will jump immediately to that point. Two fingers may be used to trigger from one position to the next. For instance, holding one finger on the bottom of the slider and tapping the top with a second finger will make the slider generate the higher value for as long as that finger remains on the surface. Once the second (upper) finger is removed, the slider will generate the value indicated by the first finger position. This is refered to as a finger jump. Circle Mode In Circle mode, there is one slider at the center of the circle, and circular slider going around the perimeter of the touch surface. Just like in Slider mode, finger jumps are possible can be performed to quickly change the parameter in real time. This is the mode most likely to be used to emulate the platter of a deck. Circle mode is also the default mode of DaScratch. That is to say that if you plug DaScratch into your computer without using the DaRouter software, it will operate in Circle mode. But keep in mind that without DaRouter, the Mode Selector buttons (VINYL, LOOP, etc) will only send note data and will not change the operation of DaScratch. Button Mode In Button mode, the zones highlighted in the diagram will act as triggers to control buttons in the target application. For example, these functions could be assigned to alter loop lengths, jump to cue points, or start clips playing. Multiple buttons may be pressed at the same time in Button mode. Also, you will find some presets use a modified version of Button mode that makes the trigger areas bigger by combining 2 or more button zones. StanTouch In every mode of operation, you’ll find that the touch sensitive areas on DaScratch will respond to multiple simultaneous touches. This is part of its core functionality, and indeed many cool behaviors and gestures can be developed around this capability.
